The purpose of this letter is to bring attention to an important issue I feel has never been addressed during my employment with The Metropolitan Opera. Before I go on, I would like you to know a little about my history. I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY, I grew up in low-income housing and attended public schools. I can tell you the environment and the schools I went to, there were never opportunities to learn about the arts. At 10 years old, I began singing in a church choir and 5 years later that is what brought me to The Met. My first chance to encounter what Opera was and to perform on stage as a Super started in December 1988. It was Aida, I remember the only thing I had to do was to march across the stage and I got paid to do it. Growing up in the environment I was accustomed to, it was a big deal to have your own money. Mind you, it was only 20 dollars, but it felt like so much more. From that initial experience, I found something special that was missing from my young life. I continued to return every season after, and in 1994 I was offered a salary position, in 2006 I became a member of Agma and now I am a part of a group of 9 who are the Staff Performers.

 

 

As you can see, I have been a part of this company for over 3 decades and what has always been obvious is the lack of diversity. “Why?’’ In one of the most diverse cities in the country, with over 8 million people, I ask why isn’t there more effort being put towards bringing in more of what is reflected outside the opera house?

 

 

In the past few years, I have seen The Met working on a couple of important initiatives: stopping workplace sexual harassment and bringing in younger audiences. I have been a part of the Friday Under 40 events and I think they are great. However, I have observed the audiences The Met is attracting are still not diverse, just a younger group that look the same as before. 

 

 

How do we get to a place where there is an opportunity for all different groups of people regardless of their race? How do we let these people know that they are welcomed to join us whether it be as an audience member or a company member? We are at a place in this country where we must have a conversation, yes that conversation. I know it may be difficult to discuss but I think it is important and if we are to move forward into the future, I feel the subject of race needs to be addressed.

 

 

Last season I was so proud to be a part of Porgy and Bess. It was one the biggest highlights of my time at The Met. I got to meet a Whole new group of wonderful artists and to see one of the most diverse audiences in the house.

 

 

I look at The Metropolitan Opera as one of the great performing arts theaters in the world. We have an amazing Chorus, Supers, Staff Performers, Orchestra, Stage Managers, Stage Directors, Dancers, and we can attract the best singers and conductors from all over the world. There are also lots of other departments that make the process and success of our work possible.

 

 

So, in my closing I say let us have that conversation knowing that it may be difficult, but I think it will make us stronger in the long run as an institution. Let us show the world that The Metropolitan Opera is moving towards a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere. We can be role models and show that everyone is welcomed.

                                                                                               

 All the Best         

Florencio 2020